Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to
pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, make sure you keep all document-
ation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country
where an immediate assessment of your problem is made. Check that the policy covers am-
bulances and emergency medical evacuations by air.
It's worth mentioning that under NZ law, you cannot sue for personal injury (other than ex-
emplary damages). Instead, the country's Accident Compensation Corporation administers
an accident compensation scheme that provides accident insurance for NZ residents and vis-
itors to the country, regardless of fault. This scheme does not cancel out the necessity for
your own comprehensive travel-insurance policy, as it doesn't cover you for such things as
loss of income or treatment in your home country or ongoing illness.
Internet Access
Getting online in NZ is easy in all but the most remote locales. You will still find internet cafes
in the bigger urban centres but they are generally on the wane. Your best bet for connecting
without your own device is at your accommodation or the local public library.
Wi-fi is popping up all over the country, from hotel rooms to pub beer gardens to hostel din-
ing rooms. Usually you have to be a guest or customer to access the internet at these loca-
tions - you'll be issued with a code, a wink and a secret handshake to enable you to get on-
line. Sometimes it's free; sometimes there's a charge.
The country's main telecommunications company is Telecom New Zealand
(
www.telecom.co.nz
) which has wireless hotspots around the country. If you have a wi-fi-en-
abled device, you can purchase a Telecom wireless prepaid card from participating hot spots.
Alternatively, you can purchase a prepaid number from the login page at any wireless hot-
spot using your credit card. See the website for hotspot listings.
If you've brought your palmtop or notebook computer, you might consider buying a prepay
USB modem (a 'dongle') with a local SIM card: both Telecom and Vodafone
(
www.vodafone.co.nz
) sell these from around $80.
Money
ATMs & EFTPOS
Branches of the country's major banks, including the Bank of New Zealand, ANZ, Westpac
and ASB, have 24-hour ATMs that accept cards from other banks and provide access to
overseas accounts. You won't find ATMs everywhere, but they're widespread across both is-
lands.
